Audrey's bear

Our little family has been anxiously awaiting Audrey's birthday, mainly because in our family when a kiddo turns two, we take a trip to Build-A-Bear. We were all super excited, especially since Audrey has been snagging other kids' bears and we thought she would love making one of her own. Unfortunately and fortunately lots of fun things transpired on her big day so the bear making was postponed until the next day.

I must admit, we have issues about personal space so when Audrey walked into the store, we crowded around her which made her uneasy at times. It also made it rather tricky in getting photos of the event. She did have a blast going from bear to bear hugging them. It was tricky trying to figure out her favorite. She ended up with a multi-colored heart bear. She loved touching the bear's little heart shaped nose. Ryan and the kids followed Audrey from station to station just hoping she would enjoy the experience and help out where they could.

When it came to name deciding, Aunty Cassie picked out a great name... Cupcake. The whole day Audrey wanted a leftover cupcake from her party. She asked for one numerous times during the day. Every time I told her no, she would pout and get angry or super sad. I think I finally gave in and let her eat one, but five minutes later was asking again for a cupcake. Anyway, the name cupcake is a great name because now we can say Audrey will always have a cupcake.

Ella's graduation

Back in May, a little over a week ago, the kids finished up school. We were super excited because Ella was graduating from Kindergarten! Jonathan even received permission to leave his class to watch her graduate.

I must say, this group of Kindergarten teachers really know how to put on a show. While we waited for the ceremony to begin, a slide show was playing with some of the activities the kids participated in through out the year. It faded and then the traditional ceremonial pomp and circumstance music played. Class by class appeared in a continual line of little kids dressed in graduation robes, hats and tassels... super cute. It was fun to pick out Ella in the group. Once done, all the kids were on stage ready to perform some special graduation songs. My favorite was when the kids paused during one of the songs and broke out in 80s robot moves...nice! The last song was about no longer being Kindergartners but now being first graders. I think the songs really represented the year and provided closure.

Next the big moment arrived where names were called, diplomas given out, and the end was near. It was so fun to see Ella graduate. Hear her name, clap and yell slightly like crazy and just enjoy this milestone in her life.

 Her teacher is awesome. When it was her turn and she began calling names, the mood changed to a happier one... no joke. Parents cheered more, some even whistled, and everything became more exciting. She had a fantastic teacher whom I know really made the year a positive one for Ella and I'm keeping my fingers crossed Ella will get her again in 2nd grade.

Once the ceremony was over, we headed into the classroom to take a few pictures, get Ella's yearbook signed by her teacher and pick up a memory book of the year. It was a great way to end a school year,.

Almost over...

The school year is almost over. So crazy to think we have lived here for almost a year. The past couple weeks have just been busy or draining. Draining because my littlest has decided to get up around 4:30-5:30am every morning. I think today she slept in by waking up a little before 7pm. The girly does not like taking naps so around when I go to pick up the two older kids from school, the little one is done for the day, has meltdowns and that jumbled together with crazy kids coming home is a bit too loud for me.  I try to take refuge in the bathroom but they find me. All of that mixed in with Jonathan going to bed later and me not going to bed early to deal with all of this, has left me in a daze and a lot crankier than normal. I also feel like I get nothing done! I hate feeling that way.

With that said, here are some of the things that went on the past couple weeks. Last week was a big week for Jonathan. On Wednesday his class had their major field trip to Biztown. Biztown is basically a town run by the 5th graders for a day. Each kid has a job, which he/she has been preparing for the last month, and then performs that job when they go to Biztown. Jonathan was the CEO of the advertising agency COX. He basically ran around making sure everyone showed up to their appointment. The goal for each business was to financially break even or be profitable. I think Jonathan's company made a small profit. I was interested how everything went so the first moment I saw Jonathan I asked how he liked Biztown. His response, "Being a grownup is a lot of work. I'm tired. I ran around the whole time trying to find people." My reply, "Well, I guess now you can understand how dad feels after a day at work, except he works for ten hours not six." After that experience I don't think Jonathan will be wanting to grow up any time soon.

Jonathan also had a band performance on Thursday. It was short and sweet. Just a half our long but enough songs where we hear how the kids have improved since their first performance. When Jonathan came home, it was off to finish a book report which took quite some time to finish.

Two weeks ago Ella had a couple special events. Her field trip was on May 7th. They went to a semi-local dinosaur museum. She said it was fun but wished I could have gone with her. The following Friday her class had a special Mother's day tea. It was super cute. Ryan was home so I was able to go by myself and just enjoy a special Mother's day event with Ella. Her teacher made each mom walk in, one at a time, where the kids would greet the mom with, "Hello Queen Mother!" Then a little crown was placed on her head and

her child lead her to different areas in the room. Ella was so sweet and treated me very well. At her desk was a present filled with many different things she made for me. I definitely felt loved. I think that was the most relaxing time I've had in months.

The actual Mother's day was wonderful as well. Ryan was home so this year he helped the kids make breakfast. They also straightened up the house, and cleaned up all the dishes after every meal. Ryan made them, mostly Jonathan, do all the work so they could realize how much I do for them. I am so glad I was able to rest because Audrey woke up at 4am the next day. At least I got one day off.

One of my gifts was a giant sized Snickers bar. Ryan thought it would be fun to give the whole thing to Audrey which she immediately chowed down on. Between her and the kids each getting 2 helpings, well, I ended up with the small end piece which was quite tasty. Man that thing was eaten fast!

Last day of school pic!!!!!!!!

Paper

When I was in college, a question of concern for my field was if the Internet would take over the printing industry. Well, over 10 years later books and other printed materials are still being made... and my kids are starting to bring home more projects and paperwork.

Since only five weeks are left at school, the kids came home with some major projects they worked on this year. Jonathan studied the planets and brought home a book full of information about our Solar System. I must admit that not seeing Pluto kind of bummed me out. He also had a couple other projects completed that he wanted to hold on to.

 Ella brought her family coat of arms home and loves it so much she decided to tape it up in her bedroom... along with her star of the week poster she completed months ago. Even though it was Earth day this week, I was surprised the only thing brought home about it was a writing piece Ella wrote.

Future projects include both kids learning about Arizona and Jonathan starting prep work for Biztown along with a book report. Fun, fun, fun!

This past week was Spirit week! Both kids dressed up in their PJ's on Monday. Ella dressed up in the 50s Era on Tuesday but did not want to dress up Wednesday or Thursday. The day she was most excited was Friday, where she could dress as a super hero... a Ninja Turtle. Leia wanted to dress up as well, so we had two Ninja Turtles that morning.

 

Thursday evening was pretty busy. Right after Jiu Jitsu we drove to Jonathan's pack meeting and was about 30 minutes late. He was able to participate in a game, say the closing prayer and then eat a yummy donut. He had a blast, so glad I went the extra mile and took him there. He also received his awards from camp. I was surprised how many he got considering he only went one day. I guess when you're organized a lot can be accomplished.

While at the library a couple weeks ago we found out the kiddos could read for a free In N Out hamburger! On Friday we dropped off the forms and the kids have their certificates waiting for a good time to get their hamburgers. We could not go on Friday because Jonathan went to the Father/ son camp out.

 

Ryan was not able to go to the camp out so Uncle Reuben took Jonathan. It seems like there was a lot of stuff to do... and yet Jonathan wanted to go to bed by 8:30. Before he turned in he did play a game of capture the flag where a thorn bush attacked him and was able to help pitch the tent and make his own dinner. He also shot a paint ball gun and finally had an opportunity to do some archery, although he was disappointed he only got one bulls eye even thought he was shooting with his right, not left hand. On Saturday he started to feel sick and when he came home did not look well. After a shower his spirits picked up so he went to a pool party with the Huntingtons. However, when he came home from that, instantly he did not look right and then proceeded to throw up in the living room... poor boy. I ended up carrying him upstairs because he was too weak to walk and was shaking terribly.

Jonathan is not the only one sick, I have some type of stomach bug that has done me in this weekend. Yuck! Oh well, hopefully I'll feel better this coming week.

PS.- I spend part of Saturday cleaning baseboards and walls. As if the kids don't practice drawing enough on paper, Leia did this little piece on the wall. As I cleaned up a few pieces of artwork, I noticed a theme... happy faces. Well, at least the girl is happy. Me, not so much.

 

PS, PS- Ryan has wanted a side table next to the couch and we finally found one. Audrey decided to take over when Ryan got up for a drink. All the kids are trying to eat there and I am not thrilled one bit about that. Lots of reminding has taken place about no eating on the couch. There are already enough messes in other areas to deal with, we don't need another one... gosh, I sound really mommish right now.

New about Audrey- she is the fastest kid to put her shoes on and get in the car... Jonathan is the slowest... still scratching my head about that one. She also loves to "read" her own book while I read a bedtime story to Leia. She loves to jump... off the ground, bed, ottoman... one crazy kid.

Testing... testing

What happened last week...

On Monday we had a fabulous FHE where we talked about Spiritual treasures, complete with a little paper treasure chest and gold paper coins. Thank you Friend magazine! Also on that night Jonathan made a lime cake. It took awhile but I can say he made it. I would show him how to do something, put it back to where it was and then he would do it. This way was rather time consuming but he learned a lot of baking skills so it's all good. The cake was delicious.

From Tuesday to Friday was AIMS testing. This was the first year Jonathan dreaded taking it. Usually he likes testing week because it means no homework.

 

 

Thursday was Fairytale night for Ella. She wanted to be herself as a princess so I made her a dress... without using a pattern. The kiddos could wear their outfits to school for a dress rehersal. It was fun watching Ella curtsey around the playground showing people her dress. Ryan and Leia went with Ella to the night time performance while Audrey and I took Jonathan to Jiu Jitsu.

 

Friday morning Leia woke up not feeling well. She ended up puking and then off and on felt bad. As the day progressed she felt better but Ryan snapped this pick of her during one of her sick moments.

Friday and the weekend consisted of seeing Huntingtons. The kiddos had a blast playing together. Friday morning/ afternoon the two little kids played with Andrew's kids. Then in the evening Reuben and his kids came over to play and have dinner. Later that night some of the kids had a lot of fun playing with a handmade ping pong launcher.

Saturday morning Ella went to a party at Peter Piper Pizza! She was super excited and even wrapped the present herself. It was fun dropping her off , especially when she walked up and two boys at the same time exclaimed, "Ella!" She had a blast and ate all the candy from her gift bag on the drive home.

Later in the day, the kids went swimming. The pool is still rather cold so most of the kids were done within the first five minutes but a few of them stayed in longer. Again lots of playing and a little bit of micheiviousness.

Sunday was church and then breakfast for dinner. At church Leia was picked for spotlight and every time they mentioned something she would get excited and repeat what they said. For example, they said the person's favorite show is Star Wars then Leia exclaimed, " Hey, my favorite show is Star Wars too!" When they told the class this person had 6 people in her family, Ryan said Leia paused and looked like she was trying to count how many people were in her family. Super cute. I wish I was there to see it. Oh well. I was in Nursery playing with Audrey and Levi with them trying to sit on my lap off and on. It was rather interesting, especially since my skirt was slippery.

PS- Audrey has been super cute lately and when I get her something, she always replys, "Thanks mom".

Leia is starting to think about b-day presents...

Last week...

Some fantastic things happened last week.

Wednesday was just a busy day after school. Jonathan's trumpet was having some issues so we went downtown to drop it off at the music store for a tune up. Since we were super close to the "big" library we went inside to get some new books and pleasantly found out the school age kids can read books to earn a free hamburger at In and Out. You can actually do it up to three times. Sounds delicious! I think Jonathan already earned on, we just need to go back to get his voucher. After the library the kiddos were super hungry so we were off to Frio Mio for frozen yogurt in support of a school fundraiser. It seems like frozen yogurt places are popping up all over the place. It is getting warmer... the 115 degree days are creeping up on us.

Thursday Jonathan earner his first stripe in Jiu Jitsu. We were thrilled but then found out the stripe is just a piece of tape wrapped around the belt. The actual meaning behind it is awesome. Jonathan worked hard for that stripe and it was great to see him get it. The girls behaved well and we were even able to stay a little bit after to watch the class do their warm up. Audrey was super cute trying to do the moves with them. Then she started to get loud and that was when we needed to step out.

 

On Saturday Leia went to her first friend birthday party, complete with real princesses. She was super excited and dressed up for it. When we arrived she became very shy but started to warm up and move to the table when she discovered lots of candy and cookies were there. It was fun to just be with her and watch her have a blast with her little friends. Ella was very jealous, but that's another story.

 Sunday Leia had another first. She gave her first talk in Primary and did a wonderful job. We wrote out the talk together and she practiced it a couple times at home. During Sacrament meeting she had a melt down and I thought she would not be able to pull it together for the talk but Ryan helped her turn things around and she gave it. We are so proud of her. That's a hard thing to do at such a young age... heck, any age.

Later that evening Ella worked on her Coat of Arms for school. She had a lot of fun choosing photos, paper and stickers. It was also nice to just work on a project together, with no interruptions. She loved spending time one-on-one. All the kids enjoy those moments and look forward to future times where they can spend time alone with me or Ryan. It makes them feel special and loved. I need to figure out how to work it in more.

Easter

Easter was filled with egg hunts this year. We did not dye eggs but instead participated in a few Easter egg hunts. The day before Easter our ward had a HUGE Easter egg hunt. We live in an area that has regular homes mixed in with super uber nice homes and plots where people have their own farm. The hunt was actually at two members' homes/ farms that lived side by side. On the grounds of one home was the breakfast and the other home was the egg hunt. Tons and tons of eggs were scattered on what I think was a grazing area for livestock.  We stayed a little longer than the other kids, letting Audrey pick up some left over eggs that were opened and then ditched once the candy was taken out. It was fun to train her in the art of finding Easter eggs.

 

The little kiddos, Nursery and Sunbeam age, went first which gave Leia and Audrey time to walk around and choose their 12 eggs. Next was junior Primary, Ella, who totally did not hear only 12 eggs and filled her basket up. Once I told her only 12, she went through the process of deciding which ones to keep. Last was senior primary, Jonathan's group. Many, many eggs were left after that group so all the kids were released and went to town loading up on eggs. Except for Audrey. Once she realized candy was in the eggs, she plopped herself down looked at me with her pleading eyes to unwrap the candy she discovered. I did and she was one happy girly girl.

Anyway, the event was fabulous, the kids had fun despite three of them still recovering from being sick and I left in amazement at what a great ward we are in. I think this is a traditional event so I am looking forward to next year.

After the event, Leia and Audrey were done but I had to quickly run and drop Ella off at her friend's house. She was invited to an Easter egg hunt over there. She spend a good part of the day there while the other kiddos vegged and healed.

For Easter we had our traditional Easter egg hunt followed by opening the eggs and reading different scriptures about Jesus. I really love this part of Easter. I wished I would have spent more time during the week going over the last few days of Jesus' life but as Ryan read the scriptures and a reverence came over us, I realized the scriptures were enough.

 

 

 A little later in the day we went to church. Sacrament seemed to be amazing, from the songs I heard from the foyer. We were fortunate that one of Ryan's coworkers offered to work for Ryan so he could enjoy Easter with us. Ryan gladly said yes. There are amazing people out there.

After church we went over for an Easter egg hunt with the Huntingtons. It's so fun to walk around with Audrey and help her pick up eggs. Truly a fun, wonderful day.

PS- In case you were wondering, it is a tradition for Jonathan to wear his Easter basket on his head. Why? I have no idea but it is a must do on his list of Easter events/memories.

Ella turned 6!

Back in March Ella celebrated her birthday. I already talked about her school party so this post is about her actual birthday.

 

The day started out with her waking up to balloons and a note. This was the first year she could actually read the note by herself. She was a little disappointed, I think because her room was not super decorated but then she opened her door to a curtain of streamers and proceeded to walk downstairs for her b-day breakfast.

After breakfast Ryan took the three oldest kiddos to the water park while I made her cake and added a few decorations. The kids had a blast and when they arrived home it was presents, then cake. Ella was super excited, especially since she was getting an American Girl doll. It was the main, almost only, present she got from us. Those dolls are expensive!

A special thank you to all the presents sent by family. She loved all of them. The little pony Nana sent was a favorite among all the girls and the outfit Auntie Heather sent is currently on Elizabeth, Ella's doll. Also, at a different party with the Huntingtons, just about everyone pitched in to make a fabulous bed and quilt for Elizabeth. That is one lucky doll.

As a side not, Ella's middle name is after a Cabbage patch kid doll I loved, Lizzy, but we decided on a little more formal name for Ella, Elizabeth. I found it rather fitting she named her doll Elizabeth... after herself of course.

Once the cake was eaten, I went out only with Ella to pick up a picture from Costco while she looked for an American Girl dog she had her eye on. She found the perfect one and we were off for home.

Ryan left for work and Jonathan had Jui Jitsui so the b-day celebrations




were side tracked. On the way home from Jonathan's lesson we stopped by Pizza Hut to pick up her favorite pizza and eat it at home.

It was a great day. I really like not having a huge b-day party on the actual b-day but just be able to spend it as a family.

I can't believe our first girl is now 6. She no longer looks like a little girl anymore. I am a little sad about that but it is fun to see her grow up. She is smart, funny, and can be a fabulous big sister... if she wants to be.

We love you Ella!!!

PS- I HAD to share this photo of Audrey. This is her "sad" face. It works well with the shiner from her accident. This was probably the worst it looked. Poor baby.

Where to start?

sigh.

Monday morning started off rather well. Ryan took Jonathan in the morning and they ended up going on a pretty wild helicopter ride.

While they were gone, I did some yard work while the kiddos played contently in the back yard. At one point Audrey approached me saying, "ouchie" but I saw no signs of an ochie. However, later in the day I noticed her front tooth was chipped but there were no signs that she fell, was pushed, etc. Maybe she decided to eat a rock?

Ella broke one of the doors off our very expensive entertainment center. The kids have a habit of hanging on the door even though I continously tell them not to. I was there when it broke, looked at her and she started to cry. Luckily it was a clean break and Ryan was able to fix it.

Ryan was off one of the days so we drove around doing this and that. That is when Leia finally got her first professional haircut. She loved the place, and since I still have guilt over taking Jonathan for his first haircut w/o Ryan, well Ryan was the one that went back with Leia. She did so well and has asked to get her haircut again. The place was super cute, gave her a 1st haircut certificate, took her picture and included some pieces of her hair. Her hair even smelled like cotton candy.

I finally had my eye exam and ended up taking the kiddos with me. The two older ones waited in the waiting area while I had my appointment and I  took the little two with me. Leia was great but Audrey was not happy being in the little office watching mommy put her face in different things. She basically whined the whole time... mostly fake crying/ whining and by the end of the appointment was making spit bubbles by saying Mommy over and over again. The doctor was great and just worked through it. So glad I can get new contacts!

I also started reworking on the kiddos baby books. I feel bad not doing ANYTHING for Audrey's book so one night after kiddos were in bed, I stayed up until 2am just working on it. Then I looked through Leia and Ella's and realized I have a lot of catching up to do.

On Thursday the boys went to play laser tag after Jonathan's Jui Jitzu class. I was still putting little girls to bed when they called so nothing major happened for us. Jonathan had a lot of fun and wants to go back with his cousins.

Friday night while I was getting Leia ready for bed, Audrey decided to go downstairs instead of hanging out with Ella. (She can do that since I no longer can put her in a crib) While braiding Leia's hair I heard a thump, like someone fell, and started to go downstairs, heard crying and then was met up with a crying Audrey. I immediately looked in her face and mouth, no further chipped teeth, and did a quick look over but saw nothing. I took her upstairs and then started to really look her over, hands, arms, feet legs, tummy... nothing. Then I looked at her face again and that's when I saw it. I huge bump on her forehead. And a little swelling around her eye. I put the other girls to bed, took Audrey out to observe her, and texted Ryan since he should hopefully be done with work in an hour. Her eye continued to swell, Ryan asked to text pictures and then after seeing the pics said we should go to the ER BUT when he got home and actually saw her, it didn't look as bad as the pics. So I put her to bed and checked on her every two hours during the night. She acts normal but has a huge black eye and it  gets even blacker with the passing days. Luckily the swelling has gone down a bit around her eye. A few people commented on it at church. I feel awful but as Ryan reminds me, accidents do happen.

 

Sunday we had a semi special St. Patrick's day. I made the kids green pancakes and after church we had stew and rolls... along with green cookies. We no longer eat corn beef since it mostly went to waste when I use to make it. Nothing major but at least something. It was a nice day. Ryan was able to go to church, we watched a movie together as a family and had a nice dinner.


Oh, I almost forgot. Our pool had to be drained and refilled. That took almost the whole week! Then I noticed a termite tube while talking to my dad on the phone so I called our termite company, they sent someone out the same day. I learned the guy had worked on the house before we lived in it, and did a lot of work in the master bedroom... where I saw the tube. Great. Luckily termites are different out here compared to California so usually structural damage does not occur.He treated the area and hopefully they will not come back anytime soon.

Craziness

This week had some pretty crazy moments in it. I still can't believe some of the things that happened. The most unexpected event transpired with Audrey. I can't remember what day but it was sometime during the week. She was acting tired, cranky and screaming so I decided to try and put her down for a nap. I set her down, proceeded to leave and within a second heard a thump. I turned around and there she was, on the floor, still crying hysterically. I picked her up and immediately began running my fingers down her neck to see if she did any serious damage. Luckily she was okay but later that day the crib came down and she has been sleeping on her mattress, on the floor for a few days now. The first two nights I camped out in front of the door, for at least an hour, to stop anyone trying to get out and would nicely tell her to get back in bed. The first night was a party between her and Leia but tonight Audrey went down fast. Now Leia is another story...

Oh Leia. She is grinding away at any patience I have left inside of me. Today she randomly peed on the floor. She is potty trained but for some reason felt that she did not need to use the toilet. She has been horrible at being reverent during Sacrament and today I took the three girls out... into the car, where they could practice being reverent... without any distractions. We once again missed Sacrament meeting but at least this time they were not wandering halls, talking away.

Speaking of church, I was released as being one of the Cub Scout Bear leaders and called to be a Nursery leader. I have been hanging out in Nursery anyway since they released one of the nursery leadersabout 2 months ago so nothing is really different for me. It will just be easier to take Jonathan to Jui Jitsu on Tuesdays.

The biggest event this week was Ella's b-day party with her class mates. She decided to have a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party which surprised me. I sewed some turtle shells out of fleece, cut out some masks and all the kids were able to suit up for Ninja Turtle training. The each had a "bad guy" which was really an Elmo balloon, to practice their Ninja moves on. Then the kiddos went through an obstacle course. After a work out they must eat a Ninja Turtle's favorite food... pizza. Next we played a game where they passed around a present wrapped multiple times and each time the music stopped who ever had the present unwrapped a layer. I also put a candy in each layer to make it super exciting. The kids made me laugh because some of them passed the present rather slow, looking at me the whole time to see if I was going to stop the music. Then realizing I wasn't, and the present had to be passed, had a look of dissapointment on her/ his face. When the last layer was unwrapped, inside the box there was a note for a secret mission. The kids went from clue to clue until they found the present, which held all their goodie bags. Jonathan really got into this part of the party and even suited up as a Ninja turtle to participate. I laugh, I mean smile, just thinking about it. When the present was found, ALL the kids were excited and ready for their "prize". After that was presents and cake. I made a small cake for Ella and Ninja Turtle cupcakes for the kiddos. It seemed to go well and Ella had a blast, which was the goal. FYI, I totally stink at taking pictures because I am too busy with party stuff. This was the only pic I got.

Audrey as a Ninja Turtle while eating a ring pop she snagged from someone else.


Other happenings:
 Ryan was gone for part of the week and missed the party but was able to spend time with family in Simi Valley.

We had some crazy weather out here, which made carrying 15 balloons along with a 20 month old, and a three year old hanging on to me rather challenging. Especially since it was very windy with rain off and on. At one point Audrey was tangled in the balloons and was not happy about it at all. Oh well. Just the normal life of a mom.

On Saturday I made a couple houses out of foam for the girls. They made a mini neighborhood in our front room. Audrey would giggle as she moved from house to house, upsetting the other girls in the process.

Even though church was not great, this morning the kids behaved fabulous. Jonathan and Ella played a board game for at least an hour without any complaints. Just happy moods and laughter. I joined in for a bit before making breakfast.

I think that's the major events for the week!



Totally forgot to mention, the kids are officially on Spring Break.